Article processing apparatus and related method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/281,921, filed Nov. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,045which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/050,651, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,369, filed Feb. 4, 2005,entitled ARTICLE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/306,774, nowabandoned, filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled MAIL BOX PROCESSOR, and claimsthe benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/333,443, filed Nov. 26, 2001, entitled MAIL BOX PROCESSOR, theentirety of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods ofdisinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to asystem and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminatingarticles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diversebiological and/or chemical contaminants.

2. Background of the Invention

In recent years, there has been an increasing need for improvedtechniques of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles that may havebeen intentionally or accidentally exposed to biological and/or chemicalcontaminants harmful to humans or animals. For example, such articlesmay have been inadvertently tainted with biological and/or chemicalcontaminants as a result of a laboratory or industrial accident.Alternatively, such articles may have been intentionally contaminatedwith harmful substances during the commission of a criminal or terroristact.

Specifically, there is an increasing need for improved techniques ofdisinfecting and/or decontaminating articles that are shipped throughthe mail. This is because contaminated pieces of mail not only have thepotential of harming the intended recipients of the mail and possiblythose in the proximity of the intended recipients, but they can alsoharm significant numbers of other individuals such as postal employeeswho handle the contaminated mail as it passes through the postal system.

For example, the U.S. Postal Service has recently confronted the problemof handling letters that were contaminated with anthrax. Not only wererecipients of the contaminated mail exposed to harmful anthrax spores,but numerous postal employees were also exposed to the anthrax sporesleaking from the tainted letters, resulting in sickness, and in somecases, death. Further, significant numbers of people at the point ofdelivery of the contaminated letters were exposed to the anthrax.Because the anthrax spores released from the letters were transmittedthrough the air, entire buildings were contaminated by the spores viathe buildings' heating and ventilation systems, resulting in thebuildings' occupants being treated with powerful antibiotics to ward offanthrax-related illnesses. Moreover, because the anthrax-tainted letterscontaminated some mail handling equipment at U.S. Post Offices, othermail passing through the postal system was tainted with the anthrax bycross-contamination, resulting in additional illness and deaths. Beyondthe human toll, buildings and mail handling equipment were subjected tovery costly decontamination procedures to remove the potentially harmfulanthrax spores.

One way of guarding against contaminated articles from being shippedthrough the mail is to inspect each and every piece of mail at the pointof entry into the postal system. However, this approach is generallyregarded as unworkable because the U.S. Postal Service is estimated tohandle hundreds of millions of pieces of mail each day. Further, theU.S. Postal Service currently has fewer than 2,000 postal inspectorscharged with the task of investigating the misuse of the mail. Clearly,inspecting each piece of mail that passes through the postal system withsuch limited resources is virtually an insurmountable task.

Another approach to disinfecting and/or decontaminating pieces of mailis to irradiate the mail using electron beam technology. For example,bulk quantities of the mail may be irradiated by beams of high-energyelectrons generated by an electron gun. Such technology has beenemployed to kill bacteria in food, and similar technology has also beenemployed to kill bacteria such as anthrax on or within pieces of mail.

However, this approach also has drawbacks in that such irradiationequipment has traditionally been costly. Moreover, the effectiveness ofsuch irradiation equipment has been limited because articles such aspieces of mail may become contaminated with one or more of a variety ofbiological and/or chemical agents. For example, although irradiationequipment employing electron beam technology may be effective in killinganthrax spores, it may be incapable of destroying other biologicalcontaminants such as HIV and E-Coli, and agents that cause, e.g.,smallpox, influenza, plague, and botulism.

It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method ofdisinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail.Such a system would be effective for disinfecting and/or decontaminatingarticles that have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemicalcontaminants. It would also be desirable to have a disinfecting and/ordecontaminating system that is compact, easy to use, and relatively lowcost.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method isdisclosed that is capable of disinfecting and/or decontaminatingarticles such as pieces of mail that have been exposed to diversebiological and/or chemical contaminants. The presently disclosed systememploys various technologies such as radiation beam technology,electromagnetic field technology, ultraviolet radiation technology,chemical decontamination technology, and suitable combinations of thesetechnologies to provide effective disinfection and/or decontamination ofmail at the point of entry into the postal system and/or at the point ofmail delivery.

In one embodiment, the system for disinfecting and/or decontaminatingarticles such as pieces of mail comprises a mail box processor includingan enclosure having a door, at least one input port, and at least oneoutput port, a mail tumbling drum, at least one radiation beam sourceand applicator, at least one electromagnetic field source andapplicator, at least one ultraviolet radiation source and applicator, atleast one chemical decontamination unit, and a status indicator.

In the presently disclosed embodiment, the enclosure door is opened, aquantity of mail including suitably sized letters and packages is placedin the mail tumbling drum inside the enclosure, and the door is closed.The status indicator then flashes a warning light indicating that thedisinfection/decontamination process is to begin within a predetermineddelay time. At the end of the predetermined delay time, radiation beams,electromagnetic fields, ultraviolet radiation, and chemicaldecontaminates are applied to the quantity of mail in the tumbling drumfor a predetermined time, and in predetermined combinations andsequences. Further, the mail tumbling drum rotates at predeterminedspeeds and directions to assure that each piece of mail is fully exposedto the beams, fields, radiation, and chemical decontaminates, therebydestroying essentially all biological viruses, bacteria, spores,pollutants, and bomb material that may be on or within the pieces ofmail. The input and output ports of the mail box processor enclosure areconfigured to minimize leakage so that contaminating substances harmfulto humans and animals are contained and deactivated within theenclosure.

By providing a mail box processor that employs technologies such asradiation beam, electromagnetic field, ultraviolet radiation, andchemical decontamination technologies for disinfecting and/ordecontaminating pieces of mail within a secure enclosure, harmfulsubstances including diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants onor within the mail can be deactivated while minimizing health risks toindividuals in the proximity of the device.

An embodiment of the invention includes an article processing apparatus.The article processing apparatus includes a housing defining anenclosure, a rotatable drum disposed in the enclosure, the rotatabledrum defining a cavity, at least one opening in flow communication withthe cavity, at least one door configured to cover the at least oneopening and substantially prevent fluid flow therethrough, a heatingapparatus configured to raise a temperature of the air in the cavity, amicrowave apparatus configured to provide microwave energy to thecavity, a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses configuredto provide ultraviolet light to the cavity, and a chemical applicatorconfigured to dispose a chemical in the cavity.

Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: the housing may include a layer of amorphousmagnesium silicate fiber; at least one belt configured to rotate thedrum; the at least one opening may include at least two openings; afirst of the at least two openings may be configured to allow articlesto be placed in the cavity and the second of the at least two openingsmay be configured to allow articles to be removed from the cavity; theheating apparatus may be configured to raise a temperature of the air inthe cavity to at least 120° C.; the heating apparatus may be configuredto raise a temperature of the air in the cavity to at least 130° C.; theplurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses may include at leasttwo pulsed ultraviolet lights each configured to emit ultraviolet lightat an intermittent rate and at least one constant ultraviolet lightconfigured to emit ultraviolet light at a substantially constant rate;the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses may beconfigured to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength between about190 nanometers and 2000 nanometers; the chemical applicator may beconfigured to form a mist of the chemical in the cavity; the chemicalapplicator may be configured to form atomized droplets of the chemicalhaving a diameter on the order of 10 microinches; the chemicalapplicator may be configured to inject the chemical into the cavity; aplurality of latches configured to latch the at least one door to thehousing; the article processing apparatus may be configured such thatpower cannot be supplied to any of the heat treatment apparatus,microwave apparatus, and the plurality of ultraviolet light emittingapparatuses unless the plurality of latches have securely latched the atleast one door to the housing; a first of the plurality of latches maybe a mechanical latch and the second of the plurality of latches may bea magnetic latch; the article processing apparatus may have a volume ofless than about 9 cubic feet; and the article processing apparatus maybe configured to be powered by a power source operating at up to about20 amps, between about 110V and about 120V, and between about 50 Hz and60Hz.

Another embodiment of the invention may include a vehicle. The vehicleincludes any article processing apparatus described herein and a powersource configured to provide power to the article processing apparatus.

A further embodiment of the invention may include a wall disposedbetween a first room and a second room. The wall may include any articleprocessing apparatus described herein, with a first opening of thearticle processing apparatus in flow communication with both a firstroom and the cavity of the article processing apparatus, and a secondopening of the article processing apparatus in flow communication withboth a second room and the cavity of the article processing apparatus.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a method ofdecontaminating articles within an apparatus that includes a housingdefining at least one opening, and an enclosure in flow communicationwith the at least one opening, at least one door configured to cover theat least one opening, respectively, and a rotatable drum in theenclosure, the rotatable drum defining a cavity. The method includesplacing articles into the cavity via the at least one opening,confirming that the at least one door is latched to the housing,rotating the drum, heating the air in the cavity, providing microwaveenergy to the cavity, providing ultraviolet light to the cavity from aplurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses, placing a chemicalin the cavity, opening the at least one door, and removing the articlesfrom the cavity via the at least one opening.

Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: mechanically latching the at least one door to thehousing; magnetically latching the at least one door to the housing;rotating the drum at a speed up to about 20 revolutions per minute;rotating the drum at a speed up to about 30 revolutions per minute;heating the air in the cavity to a temperature of at least 120° C.;heating the air in the cavity to a temperature of at least 130° C.;placing a chemical in the cavity after the air in the cavity has reachedat least 130° C.; providing microwave energy to the cavity at a poweroutput between about 500 Watts and about 1000 Watts and at a frequencyof about 2.4 GHz; pulsing ultraviolet light into the cavity from a firstof the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses; providingultraviolet light into the cavity from a second of the plurality ofultraviolet light emitting apparatuses at a substantially constant rate;providing ultraviolet light into the cavity at a wavelength betweenabout 190 nanometers and about 2000 nanometers; forming a mist of thechemical in the cavity; forming atomized droplets of the chemical in thecavity having a diameter on the order of about 10 microinches; thechemical applicator may be configured to inject the chemical into thecavity; the at least one opening may be a first opening and a secondopening; the articles may be placed in the cavity via the first openingand removed from the cavity via the second opening; and providing avehicle including the housing defining the at least one opening, the atleast one door, the drum, and a power source configured to operate at upto about 20 amps, between about 110V and about 120V, and between about50 Hz and 60Hz.

A yet further embodiment of the invention may include an articleprocessing apparatus. The article processing apparatus may include ahousing defining an enclosure, a rotatable drum disposed in theenclosure, the rotatable drum defining a cavity, a holder configured tohold articles disposed in the cavity, at least one opening in flowcommunication with the cavity, at least one door configured to cover theat least one opening and substantially prevent fluid flow therethrough,a heating apparatus configured to raise a temperature of the air in thecavity, a microwave apparatus configured to provide microwave energy tothe cavity, a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatusesconfigured to provide ultraviolet light to the cavity, and a chemicalapplicator configured to dispose a chemical in the cavity.

Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: the holder may be fixedly connected to the rotatabledrum; the holder may include a plurality of portions configured to moverelative to each other; the holder may be detachable from the rotatabledrum; the holder may include a latch; the holder may be disposed in acentral portion of the cavity; the holder may be disposed in a planesubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum; theholder may include perforations; and at least a portion of the holdermay be made of a material configured to allow heat, air, microwaveenergy, ultraviolet light, and chemicals to flow therethrough.

Still another embodiment of the invention may include a method ofdecontaminating articles containing greater than 20% moisture by weightwithin an apparatus that includes a housing defining at least oneopening, and an enclosure in flow communication with the at least oneopening, at least one door configured to cover the at least one opening,respectively, and a rotatable drum in the enclosure, the rotatable drumdefining a cavity. The method may include placing the articles in awater-based solution including a disinfectant, placing the articles intothe cavity via the at least one opening, confirming that the at leastone door is closed, rotating the drum, heating the air in the cavity,providing microwave energy to the cavity, providing ultraviolet light tothe cavity from a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting apparatuses,placing a chemical in the cavity, opening the at least one door,removing the articles from the cavity via the at least one opening, andcreating an electronic copy of the articles.

Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: placing the articles in a holder; placing the holderin the drum; connecting the holder to the drum such that the holder isfixedly disposed relative to the drum; separating a first portion of theholder from a second portion of the holder; placing the articles betweenthe first portion and the second portion; connecting the first portionand the second portion such that the first portion is fixedly disposedrelative to the second portion; placing up to about one pound ofarticles in the holder; placing the holder in the drum; placing thearticles in the cavity for about 50 minutes; and heating the air in thecavity to about 160° C.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mail box processor in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the mail box processor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a power unit included in the mail boxprocessor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of operation of the mail boxprocessor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an articles processor in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side schematic view of the articles processor of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a top schematic view of the articles processor of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a schematic view of a portion of the articles processor ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E is a schematic view of a portion of the articles processor ofFIG.

5A;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a vehicle that includes the articlesprocessor of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of two rooms and a wall that include thearticles processor of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic views of a drum according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A system and method of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles suchas pieces of mail is provided that can be deployed at the point of entryinto the postal system, at the point of mail delivery, and/or at anyother suitable location. The system for disinfecting and/ordecontaminating articles comprises a mail box processor that employsvarious technologies such as radiation beam technology, electromagneticfield technology, ultraviolet radiation technology, chemicaldecontamination technology, and suitable combinations thereof todisinfect/decontaminate the mail, while minimizing health risks to theintended mail recipients and individuals in the proximity of the device.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system for disinfectingand/or decontaminating mail, in accordance with the present invention.In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 comprises a mail boxprocessor 101 including an enclosure 102 with a door 103 (shown inphantom for clarity of illustration), a mail tumbling drum 110, adecontamination process in-progress/completed status indicator 119, aninput port 120, and an output port 112. The mail box processor 101further includes a radiation beam source and applicator 104, anelectromagnetic field source and applicator 106, an ultraviolet (“UV”)radiation source and applicator 108, and a chemical decontamination unit116. It is understood, however, that in alternative embodiments, themail box processor 101 may employ any other suitabledisinfection/decontaminat-ion technology such as x-ray, gamma ray,broadband light beam, and oxidation technologies.

In the presently disclosed embodiment, the mail box processor 101employs radiation beam technology, electromagnetic field technology, UVradiation technology, chemical decontamination technology, and/orsuitable combinations of these technologies, for effectivelydisinfecting and/or decontaminating pieces of mail. To that end, aquantity of potentially contaminated mail is placed and confined in themail tumbling drum 110 inside the enclosure 102, the enclosure door 103is closed, and the mail in the tumbling drum 110 undergoes at least onedisinfection/decontamination cycle using one or more of theabove-mentioned technologies.

It is noted that the enclosure 102 including the door 103 is suitablyshielded and gasketed to prevent leakage of electromagnetic and/or UVradiation during the disinfection/decontamination cycle. The enclosure102 is further configured to prevent potentially harmful biologicaland/or chemical substances from escaping until the substances are eitherdestroyed or otherwise rendered inactive by the decontamination process.As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure door 103 includes a transparentsection 105 to allow a human operator to observe the mail articles inthe tumbling drum 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mail tumbling drum 110 is configuredto allow radiation beams applied by the radiation beam applicator 104,electromagnetic fields applied by the electromagnetic field applicator106, UV radiation applied by the UV radiation applicator 108, andchemical decontaminates applied by the chemical decontamination unit 116to impinge upon the mail in the tumbling drum 110. For example, the mailtumbling drum 110 may have a mesh construction with suitably sized holes(not numbered). It is understood that the pieces of mail placed in thetumbling drum 110 include letters, packages, etc., suitably sized forplacement and retention in the drum.

In the preferred embodiment, the mail tumbling drum 110 can handle atleast 30 lbs. of mail during each disinfection/decontamination cycle.Further, the tumbling drum 110 is configured for rotationallyoscillating about a hub 111, as depicted by directional arrows 113. Thespeed and direction of rotation of the mail tumbling drum 110 can bepre-set, e.g., pre-programmed, to assure that all portions of the mailare exposed to the applied radiation, electromagnetic fields, and/orchemical decontaminates. For example, the speed may be pre-set to asingle speed, or pre-programmed to a number of varying speeds.Similarly, the direction of rotation may be pre-set to a single rotationdirection, or pre-programmed to change direction a predetermined numberof times. Moreover, all surfaces of the mail tumbling drum 110, and allinternal surfaces of the enclosure 102 including the door 103, arepreferably highly reflective to amplify the light ray disinfectionenergy applied to the mail during the decontamination process.

As described above, the enclosure 102 is configured to preventpotentially harmful biological and/or chemical substances (e.g.,bacteria, bacteria spores, viral particles, and agents carrying viruses)inside the enclosure from escaping. To that end, the air pressure insidethe enclosure 102 is made to be below atmospheric pressure.Specifically, the input port 120 is configured to allow ambient air topass therethrough, and to enter the enclosure 102 via one or moreorifices (not numbered). It is noted that a filter 118 may be employedto filter the ambient air before it enters the enclosure 102. The outputport 112 is configured to draw the ambient air from the input port 120,through the inside of the enclosure 102, and back outside the enclosure102, using, e.g., an air blower (not shown). As a result, even if therewere any unwanted air leaks in the system 100, the air would simply bedrawn into the enclosure 102 to be subsequently expelled through theoutput port 112.

As shown in FIG. 1, before the air inside the enclosure 102 re-entersthe ambient environment via the output port 112, the air first passesthrough a filter 114, which in the presently disclosed embodiment isconfigured for capturing particulate matter. In the preferredembodiment, the first filter is a High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA)filter capable of removing particles as small as approximately 1 pm(and/or between about 1 micron and 0.3 microns) from the air. A paperdust guard (not shown) may be disposed in front of the HEPA filter 114to block any paper dust particles that may have released from the mailin the tumbling drum 110, thereby preventing the paper dust from fillingthe HEPA filter 114. Next, the air passes through a second filter 115,which is preferably a chemical filter capable of extracting desorbedchemicals from the air before it is expelled through the output port112.

In the presently disclosed embodiment, the HEPA filter 114 and thechemical filter 115 are disposed within the enclosure 102 so that bothof the filters 114-115 are exposed to the radiation beams,electromagnetic fields, UV radiation, and chemical decontaminatesapplied by the radiation beam applicator 104, the electromagnetic fieldapplicator 106, the UV radiation applicator 108, and the chemicaldecontamination unit 116, respectively. In this way, the HEPA filter 114and the chemical filter 115 are disinfected/decontaminated along withthe mail during the decontamination process.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram 200 of the system 100 for disinfectingand/or decontaminating mail (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the system200 includes the mail box processor 101, the input and output ports 120and 112, and the chemical decontamination unit 116. The system 200further includes a power unit 202, a programming unit 203, a convectionhot air unit 204, a moisturizing/chemical decontamination enhancementunit 206, and an analyzer unit 208.

In the preferred embodiment, the output port 112 includes a quartz tube(not numbered) through which the air inside the enclosure 102 (seeFIG. 1) is expelled to the ambient environment. The analyzer unit 208(see FIG. 2) is preferably operatively connected to the quartz tube foranalyzing the expelled air to detect any harmful biological and/orchemical substances that might inadvertently escape from the mail boxprocessor 101 during the decontamination process. For example, thequartz tube may be surrounded by an electromagnetic field to keepmolecules within the tube suspended, thereby aiding in the subsequentanalysis of the expelled air by the analyzer unit 208. Further, theanalyzer unit 208 may employ one or more algorithms for removingbackground noise from selected DNA/RNA signals of specific molecularweights to aid in determining the species and origin of detectedbiological substances.

The convection hot air unit 204 is employed in conjunction with theinput port 120 for optionally pre-heating the ambient air being drawninto the mail box processor 101. In alternative embodiments, theconvection hot air unit 204 is also configured to provide infraredradiation disinfection capabilities that may be employed in conjunctionwith the radiation beam, electromagnetic field, and/or UV radiationapplicators 104, 106, and 108 (see FIG. 1). For example, theelectromagnetic field source and applicator 106 may be configured toapply microwave energy to the potentially contaminated mail in thetumbling drum 110. Because the mail may include metal objects such asstaples or paper clips, the microwave energy and the infrared energy maybe alternately applied to the mail by the electromagnetic fieldapplicator 106 and the convection hot air unit 204, respectively, toreduce the chance of fire, which might occur if the microwave energywere continuously applied to the stapled pieces of mail during a typicaldecontamination process lasting 1-30 minutes. Further, by periodicallypausing the application of the microwave energy, the power requirementsof the mail box processor 101 can be reduced.

The moisturizing/chemical decontamination enhancement unit 206 isemployed in conjunction with the chemical decontamination unit 116 (seeFIG. 1) to produce an optimal disinfection chemical/moisture-basedenvironment inside the mail box processor 101, thereby improving theeffectiveness of the chemical decontamination portion of thedisinfection/decontamination process. It is noted that themoisturizing/chemical decontamination enhancement unit 206 may also beemployed to inject suitable chemicals, gas, and/or moisture inside theenclosure 102 (see FIG. 1) to prevent overheating of the enclosurecontents, and further reduce the chance of fire within the mail boxprocessor 101. For example, the moisturizing/chemical decontaminationenhancement unit 206 may inject a chemical operative to eliminate oxygenfrom the enclosure 102.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment 302 of the power unit 202 (seeFIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the power unit 302 includes aconnection 303 to line power, a fuse 304, a power switch 306, atransformer 308, a thermal protector 310, and a timer switch 312. Forexample, the specifications for the line power may be approximately 25A, 120 V. As described above, the moisturizing/chemical decontaminationenhancement unit 206 may be employed to inject suitable chemicals, gas,and/or moisture inside the enclosure 102 (see FIG. 1) to preventoverheating of the enclosure contents. The thermal protector 310 isconfigured to disconnect the power from the mail box processor 101 inthe event the temperature inside the enclosure 102 exceeds apredetermined level. For example, the thermal protector 310 may compriseone or more Resistance Thermal Detectors (RTDs). In the preferredembodiment, the thermal protector 310 is further configured to conveystatus information to the mail box processor 101. Moreover, the timerswitch 312 is configurable to provide power to the mail box processor101 via power connections V+ and V− after a predetermined delay time.For example, the predetermined delay time may be pre-programmed in thetimer switch 312 via the programming unit 203. The timer switch 312 isfurther configured to convey status information to the mail boxprocessor 101.

As further described above, the speed and direction of rotation of themail tumbling drum 110 may be pre-programmed, and the delay timeprovided by the timer switch 312 (see FIG. 3) may also bepre-programmed. To that end, the programming unit 203 comprises asuitable user interface, processor, and memory to enable the humanoperator to program these desired settings. Further, the programmingunit 203 may be employed to execute appropriatedisinfection/decontamination applications to assure that the radiationbeams, electromagnetic fields, UV radiation, and chemical decontaminatesare applied to the mail in the most effective intensities, combinations,and/or sequences for killing/destroying biological and/or chemicalsubstances on or within the mail. For example, an appropriatedecontamination process may include selectively activating/deactivatingthe chemical decontamination unit 116 to inject ozone into the enclosure102, and then activating/deactivating the UV radiation applicator 108 toapply UV radiation to kill harmful bacteria on the mail. It isunderstood that the radiation beam applicator 104, and theelectromagnetic field applicator 106, may also be activated andcontrolled via the programming unit 203.

It should be appreciated that the radiation beam source and applicator104 of the mail box processor 101 (see FIG. 1) may be configured toprovide an electron beam, or any other suitable radiation beam, havingan intensity sufficient to kill harmful biological contaminants in maildisposed in the mail box processor 101. Further, the electromagneticfield source and applicator 106 may be configured to provide microwave,Radio Frequency (RF) wave, or any other suitable electromagnetic energy,and the UV radiation source and applicator 108 may be configured toprovide UV radiation in the UV-C band, or any other suitable type of UVradiation, to kill the biological contaminants. Moreover, the chemicaldecontamination unit 116 may be configured to apply any suitablechemical decontaminates to rid the mail of chemical contamination. Forexample, the chemical decontamination unit 116 may employ one or morechemical bags to facilitate the application of the chemicaldecontaminates. It is further appreciated that the mail box processor101 may be employed for disinfecting/decontaminating pieces of mail orany other suitable article.

A method of operating the presently disclosed mail box processor 101(see FIG. 1) is illustrated by reference to FIG. 4. As depicted in step402, the door is opened, a quantity of mail is placed in the tumblingdrum, and the door is closed. Next, the status indicator “in-progress”light is activated, as depicted in step 404, to alert individuals in theproximity of the mail box processor that the mail decontaminationprocess will be in-progress after the pre-programmed delay time, if any.The mail is then irradiated and chemically decontaminated, as depictedin step 406, via the radiation beam applicator, the electromagneticfield applicator, the UV radiation applicator, and the chemicaldecontamination unit. It is appreciated that the mail box processor ispre-programmed to apply the radiation and chemical decontaminates in themost effective intensities, combinations, and/or sequences foreliminating biological and chemical contaminates from the mail. At theend of the decontamination cycle, the status indicator “completed” lightis activated, as depicted in step 408, to provide notification that themail decontamination process is completed. The door of the mail boxprocessor is then opened, as depicted in step 410, and thedecontaminated mail is removed.

FIGS. 5A-5E depict an illustrative embodiment of a system fordisinfecting and/or decontaminating articles (e.g., mail), in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. The system 500 inFIGS. 5A-5E may have one or more of any of the features set forthherein, for example, one or more of the features associated with theillustrative embodiment set forth in FIG. 1. However, system 500 mayalso contain one or more features different from the features set forthherein, for example, one or more of the features associated with theillustrative embodiment set forth in FIG. 1.

System 500 may include an articles processor 501 including a housing 506(e.g., including a frame), a first door 502, and a second door 503 whichtogether define an enclosure 504. Each of housing 506, first door 502,and second door 503 may be configured to block the passage of radiation(e.g., microwave and/or ultraviolet) and/or contaminants (e.g.,chemicals and/or biological agents) therethrough. For example, one ormore of housing 506, first door 502, and second door 503 may be made outof stainless steel, aluminum, an insulating material, and/or any othermaterial configured to block the passage of radiation and/orcontaminants therethrough. One example of a suitable material isamorphous magnesium silicate fiber (AMSS). One such AMSS is sold underthe tradename DYNAGUARD FLEXIBLE MICRO-POROUS INSULATION manufactured byTHERMODYNE CORPORATION. Articles processor 501 may have a length ofabout 30 inches, depth of about 20.9 inches, and a height of about 31.38inches

First door 502, second door 503, and/or housing 506 that defineenclosure 504 may include a layer of AMSS. Also or alternatively, aportion 506 a of housing 506 defining a sub-enclosure 504 a thatincludes drum 513 may include a layer of AMSS. Accordingly, the portionof housing 506, first door 502, and/or second door 503 definingsub-enclosure 504 a may include a layer of AMSS. The layer of AMSS mayhave a thickness just sufficient to block passage of enough radiationfrom within enclosure 504 such that it is safe for a user to standdirectly next to articles processor 501 without suffering ill effectsfrom the radiation. For example, the layer of AMSS may be between about0.5 inches and 0.25 inches thick. The thickness of the layer of AMSS mayvary between first door 502, second door 503, and/or housing 506. Theamount of AMSS used may be minimized, for example, because AMSS may berelatively expensive, and thus to minimize an overall cost of system500.

The surfaces of doors 502, 503 defining enclosure 504 may be highlyreflective, for example, to deflect and/or amplify the radiation appliedto the articles during the decontamination process. Doors 502, 503 mayalso or alternatively include a protrusion 502 a, 503 a configured toextend into enclosure 504 a, for example, about 1 inch. Protrusions 502a, 503 a may form a gap between the 1 inch wide surface surroundingprotrusion 502 a, 503 a and housing 506 a. The gap may be configured toprevent microwaves or other waves (e.g., radiofrequency emissions and/orelectromagnetic emissions) from exiting enclosure 504, 504 a, forexample, by dissipating the waves. For example, the gap may beconfigured to dissipate microwave emissions having a frequency of about2.4 GHz. Protrusions 502 a, 503 a may be configured to dissipate waveswithout impeding airflow within enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514.

Housing 506, 506 a, first door 502, and second door 503 may cooperate toprevent potentially harmful biological and/or chemical substances fromescaping from enclosure 504, 504 a at least until the substances areeither destroyed or otherwise rendered inactive by the decontaminationprocess. For example, one or more of first door 502 and second door 503may each have a rubber gasket 507 lining an interface between each door502, 503 and housing 506, 506 a. Accordingly, gasket 507 maysubstantially prevent the passage of potentially harmful biologicaland/or chemical substances therethrough. Gasket 507 may also beconfigured to impede and/or prevent the passage of waves (e.g.,microwaves, radiofrequency waves, and/or electromagnatic waves) through,for example, by having a metal component, such as aluminum, embeddedtherein.

Although housing 506, 506 a, first door 502, and second door 503 maydefine an airtight enclosure for 504, 504 a, such airtightness may notbe necessary, for example, due to the presence of other portions ofsystem 500 that will assist in preventing the escape of harmfulbiological and/or chemical substances from enclosure 504, 504 a. In someembodiments, housing 506 a, first door 502, and second door 503 maydefine a substantially airtight enclosure 504 a, while housing 506,first door 502, and second door 503 may define an enclosure 504 that isnot airtight.

One of first door 502 and second door 503 may be configured as a “clean”door (e.g., configured to remove decontaminated materials) while theother first door 502 and second door 503 may be configured as a “dirty”door (e.g., configured to receive contaminated materials). For example,articles or other articles may be exclusively placed into enclosure 504via an opening configured to be covered by first door 502, and may beexclusively removed from enclosure 504 via an opening configured to becovered by second door 503. This may be desirable, for example, to makeit more difficult (if not impossible) for articles or other articlesbeing placed into enclosure 504 from contaminating articles or otherarticles being taken out of enclosure 504.

One of first door 502 and second door 503 may include a transparentsection to allow a human operator to observe the articles in enclosure504. Transparent section may be composed of plexiglas, plastics,ceramics or any other suitable material to allow a user to observe theinside of articles processor 501, but still protect the user fromradiation, contaminants, and/or other potential harmful items present inenclosure 504.

First door 502 and second door 503 may be connected to housing 506 viaany suitable means. For example, one side of each of first door 502 andsecond door 503 may be connect to housing 506 via a hinge. Each of firstdoor 502 and second door 503 may be closed via a latch 510. Latch 510may be any suitable latch (e.g., mechanical and/or magnetic). Otherlatches and latch configurations are also contemplated. One or more ofhousing 506, first door 502, and second door 503 may include a sensor511 (e.g., mechanical and/or magnetic) configured to determine whetherfirst door 502 and/or second door 503 is properly latched to housing 506such that the opening in the housing 506 covered by respective door 502,503 is closed. This may be desirable, for example, so that no harmfulamount of radiation and/or contaminants leaves enclosure 504, 504 a viathe opening defined by the respective door 502, 503.

Latch 510 may include a protrusion 510 a and aperture 510 b, with one ofprotrusion 510 a and aperture 510 b disposed on door 502, 503 while theother of protrusion 510 a and aperture 510 b is disposed on housing 506.Protrusion 510 a may be configured to be fit within aperture 510 b.Protrusions 510 a may be fixed in aperture 510 b, for example, by asolenoid 510 e such that door 502, 503 cannot be opened if protrusions510 a is fixed in aperture 510 b via solenoid 510 e. Solenoid 510 e maybe configured to keep protrusion 510 a locked in aperture 510 b even ifpower is cut off from article processor 501. Sensor 511 may beconfigured to detect whether protrusions 510 a has been placed inaperture 510 b (for example, by determining the position of solenoid 501e), thus indicating whether or not door 502, 503 has been properlyclosed. Latch 510 may also or alternatively include a pair of magnets510 c, 510 d. One of magnets 510 c, 510 d may be disposed on housing 506while the other of magnets 510 c, 510 d may be disposed on door 502,503. One or more of magnets 510 c, 510 d may be polarized such thatunless properly polarized ends of one magnet 510 c are placed againstproperly polarized ends of the other magnet 510 d, sensor 511 will notprovide an indication that door 502, 503 has been properly closed.

In another example, magnet 510 d may actually be a sensor 511 a. Sensor511 a may or may not be magnetic itself. In such a case, articleprocessor 501 may be configured such that sensor 511 a is sensitive asto the exact position of the poles of magnet 510 c. Accordingly, unlesseach proper pole of magnet 510 c is placed on the proper portion ofsensor 511 a, sensor 511 a will provide an indication the processor thatdoor 502, 503 is open and/or will not provide an indication to processor512 that door 502, 503 is closed. Thus, misalignment between at leastone of the poles of magnet 510 c and the proper portions of sensor 511a, even doors 502, 503 appear to be closed, may prevent power from beingprovided to portions of article processor 501.

Sensor 511 may be operatively connected to a processor 512 that receivesinformation from sensor 511 as to whether one or more of doors 502, 503is closed. Processor 512 may take that information and display it on adisplay panel 513 disposed on articles processor 501 and/or prevent thedecontamination process from proceeding. For example, processor 512 mayprevent radiation and/or chemicals from being introduced onto articles(e.g., articles) disposed within enclosure 504, 504 a. In anotherexample, while system 500 is running, processor 512 may prevent thedoors 502, 503 from opening, for example, by keeping latch 510 in itslocked configuration, regardless of outside intervention. In the eventthat power is purposefully or inadvertently cut off from portions ofarticles processor 501, processor 512 and latches 510 may prevent doors502, 503 from being opened until power is restored to articles processor501. In a further example, processor 512 control the power provided toportions of articles processor 501. Accordingly, if sensor 511 indicatesto processor 512 that one or more of doors 502, 503 is not properlyclosed and/or latched, processor 512 may prevent power from flowing toone or more portions of articles processor 501. Processor 512 may beconfigured to run articles processor 501 with a minimum amount ofsoftware, for example, to simplify its operation and prevent bugs fromcausing articles processor 501 from running in an unsafe manner.Processor 512 may be configured to determine whether there is sufficientchemicals in chemical reservoir 562 to run a single articles processingcycle. If there is not sufficient chemicals in chemical reservoir 562,processor 512 may prevent articles processor 501 from operating.

An article tumbling drum 513 may be disposed within enclosure 504, 504a. Articles tumbling drum 513 may be substantially cylindrical in shapeand may be configured and/or sized for articles (e.g., articlesincluding letters and/or packages) to be placed within a central cavity514 of drum 513. For example, drum 513 may be configured to handle atleast 30 lbs of articles. In some embodiments, however, drum 513 mayhandle no more than about 8-12 lbs (or about 3.6-5.4 kilograms) ofarticles per cycle, and possibly no more than about 3 lbs to about 5 lbsper cycle. Articles processor 501 and drum 513 may be configured tohandle articles having a maximum size of about 16 inches by 11.5 inchesby 3.5 inches (or about 416 millimeters by 292 millimeters by 89millimeters). However, in some embodiments articles processor 501 may beconfigured to handle first class mail, for example, a two sheet letterin a standard paper envelope. Drum 513 may have a diameter of about15-16 inches, a length of about 18 inches, and a volume of about 2.5cubic feet.

Drum 513 may be configured to allow radiation(s) and/or chemical(s) toimpinge upon articles disposed in cavity 514 of drum 513. For example,drum 513 may have a substantially mesh-like construction withperforations 513 p sized to allow chemical(s) to enter central cavity514 and effectively coat the articles (i.e., sufficiently coat thearticles such that the radiation(s) can penetrate the articles enough soas to substantially disinfect and/or decontaminate the articles. To thateffect, drum 513 may include a plurality of perforations 513 p. Some ofthe perforations 513 p may be substantially the same size, while otherperforations 513 p may have different sizes.

Perforations 513 p may be configured to allow radiation(s) (e.g., heat)and/or chemical(s) from outside of drum 513 to enter cavity 514, and mayalso or alternatively be configured to impede the movement of theradiation(s) and/or chemical(s) out of cavity 514. In another example,drum 513 may be made of a material configured to allow radiation(s)and/or chemical(s) to impinge upon articles disposed in cavity 514 ofdrum 513. One or more surfaces of drum 513 may include (e.g., be made ofand/or coated with) a highly reflective material (e.g., polished metal),for example, to amplify radiation applied to the articles during thedecontamination process.

Drum 513 is configured to rotate about an axis 515, for example, via oneor more belts 516. One or more of belts 516 may be rotated via anactuator 516 a, and such rotation may be imparted to drum 513 via belts516 rotating wheels 516 w. For example, drum 513 may be rotated by twobelts 516-1, 516-2. Drum 513 may be rotated by two belts 516-1, 516-2,for example, such that all portions of drum 513 rotate at a morebalanced rate and/or more evenly distribute the stress exerted by belts516-1, 516-2 on drum 513. Wheels 516 w may be disposed around drum 513.Wheels 516 w may be powered (e.g., via actuator 516 a and/or belts516-1, 516-2) or unpowered and may be configured about 513 so as toallow drum 513 to rotate smoothly and/or evenly. Actuator 516 a may be amotor manufactured by DAYTON, however, any suitable motor configured todrive belts 516 is contemplated. Actuators 516 a may be chosen becausethey are reliable, require little maintenance, are quiet, and/or areinexpensive.

Belts 516 and actuator 516 a may be configured to rotate drum 513 atvariable speeds and in variable directions. The speed and direction ofthe rotation of the drum 513 may be pre-determined (e.g.,pre-programmed), for example, to ensure that all portions of thearticles are sufficiently exposed to the applied radiation and/orchemicals so as to be disinfected and/or decontaminated. For example,the speed may be pre-set to a single speed, or pre-programmed to anumber of varying speeds. Similarly, the direction of rotation may bepre-set to a single rotation direction, or pre-programmed to changedirection a predetermined number of times. In a preferred embodiment,drum 513 is rotated at a speed of about 20 revolutions per minute in onedirection. However, any suitable speed and/or changes in direction arecontemplated. For example, drum 513 may be rotated at a speed of about30 revolutions per minute.

Articles processor 501 may include a fluid exchange system 520 (e.g.,air exchange system). Fluid exchange system 520 may be configured tocool processor 512 and/or other components disposed inside enclosure 504and/or outside enclosure 504 a. Fluid exchange system 520 may include afluid inlet 517 and a fluid outlet 518 disposed on a portion of housing506, and a fluid pump 519 coupled to one of fluid inlet 517 and fluidoutlet 518. Fluid inlet 517 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g.,ambient air) to pass therethrough and to enter enclosure 504. Fluidinlet 517 may also be configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough inonly one direction (e.g., fluid inlet 517 may allow fluid only to enterenclosure 504 from the outside environment via a one-way valve). Fluidinlet 517 may include a fluid filter 521 configured to filter fluid(e.g., ambient air) from the outside environment prior to the fluidentering enclosure 504. Fluid outlet 518 may be configured allow a fluid(e.g., air) to pass therethrough and to exit enclosure 504. Fluid outlet518 may also be configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough in onlyon direction (e.g., fluid outlet 518 may allow fluid only to exitenclosure 504 to the outside environment via a one-way valve). Fluidoutlet 518 may include a fluid filter 522 configured to filter fluid(e.g., air) from enclosure 504 prior to the fluid exiting enclosure 504to the outside environment.

Fluid filter 521, 522 may each include one or more filters. For example,fluid filter 521, 522 may include at least one microbial filter 521 a,522 a. Fluid filter 521, 522 may also or alternatively each include atleast one carbon (e.g., charcoal) filter 521 b, 522 b (e.g., configuredto remove odor) that may be disposed on one side of microbial filter 521a, 522 a. For example, at least one carbon filter 521 b, 522 b may bedisposed on the side of microbial filter 521 a, 522 a facing enclosure504. Each fluid filter described herein may require periodic replacing,for example, because their filtering effectiveness has been reduced dueto usage over time.

Fluid pump 519 (e.g., a fan) may be coupled to one of fluid inlet 517and fluid outlet 518. If fluid pump 519 is coupled to fluid inlet 517,fluid pump 519 may be configured to draw fluid from the outsideenvironment into enclosure 504. If fluid pump 519 is coupled to fluidoutlet 518, fluid pump 519 may be configured to draw fluid from insideenclosure 504 to the outside environment. Fluid pump 519 may pump fluidbefore or after the fluid has passed through one or more filters 521,522. Accordingly, fluid pump 519 may pump fluid from the outsideenvironment, through fluid inlet 517, through filter 521, throughenclosure 504, through filter 522, through fluid outlet 518, and to theoutside environment. Fluid pump 519 lessens the need for enclosure 504to be airtight, as even if there were any unwanted air leaks inenclosure 504, the fluid would simply be drawn into enclosure 504 andsubsequently expelled through fluid outlet 518. Thus, no contaminatedfluid would exit enclosure 504 other than via fluid outlet 518.

Articles processor 501 may include an inner fluid exchange system 570(e.g., air exchange system). Fluid exchange system 570 may include afluid inlet 577 and a fluid outlet 578 disposed on a portion of housing506 a, and a fluid pump 579 coupled to one of fluid inlet 577 and fluidoutlet 578. Fluid inlet 577 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g.,ambient air) to pass therethrough and to enter enclosure 504 a and/orcavity 514. Fluid inlet 577 may also be configured to allow fluid topass therethrough in only one direction (e.g., fluid inlet 577 may allowfluid only to enter enclosure 504 a from the outside environment via aone-way valve). Fluid inlet 577 may include a fluid filter 581configured to filter fluid (e.g., ambient air) from the outsideenvironment prior to the fluid entering enclosure 504 a. Fluid outlet578 may be configured allow a fluid (e.g., air) to pass therethrough andto exit enclosure 504 a. Fluid outlet 578 may also be configured toallow fluid to pass therethrough in only on direction (e.g., fluidoutlet 578 may allow fluid only to exit enclosure 504 a to the outsideenvironment via a one-way valve). Fluid outlet 578 may include a fluidfilter 582 configured to filter fluid (e.g., air) from enclosure 504 aprior to the fluid exiting enclosure 504 a to the outside environment.

Fluid filter 581, 582 may each include one or more filters. For example,fluid filter 581, 582 may include at least one microbial filter 581 a,582 a (e.g., configured to remove microbes). Fluid filter 581, 582 mayalso or alternatively each include at least one carbon (e.g., charcoal)filter 581 b, 582 b (e.g., configured to remove odor) that may bedisposed on one side of microbial filter 581 a, 582 a. For example, atleast one carbon filter 581 b, 582 b may be disposed on the side ofmicrobial filter 581 a, 582 a facing enclosure 504 a. Each fluid filterdescribed herein may require periodic replacing, for example, becausetheir filtering effectiveness has been reduced due to usage over time.

Fluid outlet 578 may also include a filter 583 configured to preventmicrowave or other waves (e.g., radiofrequency or electromagnetic) fromexiting enclosure 504 a via fluid outlet 578, for example, bydissipating the waves. For example, filter 583 may be made out ofaluminum and may be a honeycomb like structure having cells where eachside of the hexagon is about ⅛ of an inch. However, filter 583 mayinclude structures having any suitable geometric shape, for example, aplurality of parallel cylinders. Filter 583 may be about ¼ of an inchthick. Filter 583 may be configured to dissipate microwaves having afrequency of about 2.4 GHz. Filter 583 may be disposed upstream and/ordownstream from one or more filters 582 a, 582 b.

Fluid pump 579 (e.g., a fan) may be coupled to one of fluid inlet 577and fluid outlet 578. If fluid pump 579 is coupled to fluid inlet 577,fluid pump 579 may be configured to draw fluid from the outsideenvironment into enclosure 504 a. If fluid pump 579 is coupled to fluidoutlet 578, fluid pump 579 may be configured to draw fluid from insideenclosure 504 a to the outside environment. Fluid pump 579 may pumpfluid before or after the fluid has passed through one or more filters581, 582. Accordingly, fluid pump 579 may pump fluid from the outsideenvironment, through fluid inlet 577, through filter 581, throughenclosure 504 a, through filters 582, 583, through fluid outlet 578, andto the outside environment. Fluid pump 579 lessens the need forenclosure 504 a to be airtight, as even if there were any unwanted airleaks in enclosure 504 a, the fluid would simply be drawn into enclosure504 a and subsequently expelled through fluid outlet 578. Thus, nocontaminated fluid would exit enclosure 504 a other than via fluidoutlet 578. Fluid inlet 577 and fluid outlet 578 may be located on anyportion of articles processor 501. For example, fluid inlet 577 may runbetween the top or side of articles processor 501 and enclosure 504 a,while fluid outlet 578 may run between enclosure 504 a and the bottom ofarticles processor 501.

Articles processor 501 may include a plurality of decontamination units.For example, articles processor 501 may be configured to destroybiological contaminants and/or neutralize chemical contaminants througha combination of one or more of a heat treatment, a microwave treatment,an ultraviolet light treatment, and a chemical solution.

Heat may be applied to articles disposed in cavity 514 via a heattreatment apparatus 530. Heat treatment apparatus 530 may be disposedwithin enclosure 504, 504 a, outside drum 513, and/or inside enclosure506 a. Heat treatment apparatus 530 may be about 12 inches in length andmay be disposed substantially below drum 513 in a directionsubstantially parallel to the axis of rotation of drum 513. Perforations513 p may be configured to allow heat from heat treatment apparatus 530disposed outside of drum 513 to enter cavity 514, and may also oralternatively be configured to impede the movement of heat out of cavity514. A combination of the rotating of drum 513 and/or perforations 513may assist in circulating the heat throughout cavity 514. The operationof heat treatment apparatus 530 may be controlled by processor 512,which may prevent heat treatment apparatus 530 from being powered ifdoors 502, 503 are not properly closed.

Heat treatment apparatus 530 may be configured to provide a range ofheat sufficient to destroy biological contaminants and/or denature atleast some chemical contaminants. For example, heat treatment apparatus530 may be configured to heat the space within enclosure 504, 504 abetween about 250° F. and about 320° F. (and/or between about 120° C.and about 150° C.) at about 1000 Watts. In various embodiments, however,heat treatment apparatus 530 may be configured to heat the space withinenclosure 504, 504 a up to about 240° C. (e.g., up to about 180° C.and/or up to about 200° C.) at any suitable wattage. During a singlecycle, heat treatment apparatus 530 may be configured to apply heat tothe articles for about 30 minutes or substantially the entire length ofthe cycle. Heat treatment apparatus 530 may be configured to control thetemperature in enclosure 504 within a tolerance of about 2 percent.

Microwave energy may be applied to articles disposed in drum 513 inenclosure 504 via a microwave apparatus 540. Microwave apparatus 540 maybe disposed within enclosure 504 and outside drum 513. In variousembodiments, microwave apparatus 540 may be disposed inside and/oroutside of housing 506 a defining enclosure 504 a. Drum 513,perforations 513 p, and/or enclosure 506 a may be configured to allowmicrowave energy from microwave apparatus 540 to pass therethrough so asto impinge on articles disposed in the space defined by drum 513.Microwave energy from microwave apparatus 540 may be configured toexcite liquid(s), chemical(s), and/or objects disposed in the spacedefined by drum 513, for example, to at least assist in generating heat,destroying biological contaminants, neutralizing chemical contaminants,alter the genetic composition/makeup of the biological contaminant,and/or sterilize the biological contaminant.

Microwave apparatus 540 may be configured to provide a range ofmicrowave energy sufficient to destroy at least some biologicalcontaminants and/or denature at least some chemical contaminants. Forexample, microwave apparatus 540 may be configured to provide microwaveenergy to the articles disposed in drum 513 at a power of between about500 Watts and about 1000 Watts at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz. During asingle cycle, microwave apparatus 540 may be configured to apply heat tothe articles for about 30 minutes or substantially the entire length ofthe cycle.

Ultraviolet light may be applied to articles disposed in drum 513 inenclosure 504 via at least one ultraviolet light apparatus 550. At leastone ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550 may be disposed withinenclosure 504 and outside drum 513, and may also or alternatively bedisposed inside and/or outside housing 506 a and/or enclosure 504 a. Theat least one ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550 may include afirst ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 551 and a second ultravioletlight emitting apparatus 552.

Ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550, 551, 552 may each beconfigured to provide a range of ultraviolet light sufficient to destroybiological contaminants and/or neutralize at least some chemicalcontaminants. First ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 551 and secondultraviolet light emitting apparatus 552 may have substantially the sametechnical characteristics or may have substantially different technicalcharacteristics, for example, to destroy and/or neutralize a wider rangeof contaminants. Ultraviolet light emitted by each of first ultravioletlight emitting apparatus 551 and second ultraviolet light emittingapparatus 552 may be configured to interact with liquid(s) and/orchemical(s) present in cavity 514 so as to more effectively destroyand/or neutralize contaminants, for example, by penetrating an outsidelayer of a first class letter so as to destroy and/or neutralizecontaminant that may be contained therein.

For example, first ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 551 may have twopulsed lights 553, 554 that each emit a pulsed ultraviolet light atabout 60 Watts, at a frequency of about 50 Hz, and/or a wavelength ofbetween about 190 nanometers and about 2000 nanometers. Such a pulsedlight may be effective in destroying and/or neutralizing a first set ofcontaminants. First ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 551 may havetwo pulsed lights 553, 554 arrange about drum 513 such that the pulsedultraviolet light is more evenly distributed about within cavity 514than if there were only one pulsed light.

In another example, second ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 552 mayemit a constant ultraviolet light at about 150 microwatts per squarecentimeter, at a frequency of about 50 Hz, and/or a wavelength betweenabout 249 nanometers and about 254 nanometers. Such a constant light maybe effective in destroying and/or neutralizing a second set ofcontaminants substantially the same as or different from the first setof contaminants.

At least one chemical may be applied to articles disposed in drum 513 inenclosure 504 via one or more chemical applicators 560. Chemicalapplicators 560 may include one or more nozzles 561 (e.g., two nozzles)in fluid connection with a chemical reservoir 562.

Chemical reservoir 562 may have a capacity of about one gallon. Onearticle processing cycle may use about ½ cup (about 4 fluid ounces) ofchemical. However, more or less chemical may be used depending on thetype of biological contaminant that needs to be destroying and/or thetype of chemical contaminant that needs to be neutralized.

Processor 512 may control nozzle(s) 561 so as to control the chemicalflow into enclosure 504 and/or drum 513. Nozzle(s) 561 may be configuredto apply a chemical from chemical reservoir 562 into enclosure 504 in amanner so as to maximize the effectiveness of the chemical. For example,nozzle(s) 561 may be configured to create a mist in enclosure 504 in asufficient amount to coat the articles disposed in enclosure 504 a, drum513, and/or penetrate the articles. In some embodiments, the droplets ofchemical(s) disposed in drum 513 may have a diameter of about 1microinches. In another example, nozzle(s) 561 may be disposed arounddrum 513 at about a 70 degree angle relative to a vertical plane thatincludes the longitudinal axis of drum 513. Nozzle(s) 561 may bedisposed on different sides of drum 513 and may be connected to housing506 a. Each nozzle 561 may include an array of openings each configuredto expel and/or inject chemicals into enclosure 504 a and/or drum 513.In a further example, chemical reservoir 562 and/or nozzles 561 may bekeep at a pressure between about 30 pounds per square inch and 40 poundsper square inch.

The chemical(s) disposed in chemical reservoir 562 may be configured toaccomplish several things. For example, the chemical may be configuredto destroy biological contaminants and/or neutralize chemicalcontaminants. In another example, the chemical may be configured to coatand/or penetrate the articles. In a further example, the chemicals maybe configured to, once applied to the articles, increase theeffectiveness of the heat treatment, microwave treatment, andultraviolet light treatment in destroying biological contaminants and/orneutralizing chemical contaminants. The chemical may be non-toxic, forexample, so as to be easily handled by the user, and even if a leakageoccurs, is not harmful to the user. However, more toxic chemicals mayalso be used, for example, if the toxic chemicals are more effective inimplementing one of the objectives of the chemicals set forth herein.The chemical may be a pesticide, and thus may need to be placed on theEnvironmental Protection Agency's chemical register.

In some embodiments, the chemical may be a water-based solution. Forexample, the chemical may comprise about 95% water and about 5% alcohol.However, other concentrations of water and alcohol may be used (e.g.,the chemical may comprise anywhere between about 100% water to 0% waterand/or about 0% alcohol to about 100% alcohol, possibly in 5%increments). The water-based solution may interact with the heatgenerated by heat treatment apparatus 530, the microwave energy emittedmicrowave apparatus 540, and the ultraviolet light emitted byultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550, 551, 552 to more effectivelydestroy biological contaminants and/or neutralize chemical contaminants.For example, the water-based solution may allow heat and/or ultravioletlight to more effectively penetrate the articles. In another example,the water-based solution may be excited by the microwave energy andfurther increase the temperature in enclosure 504 a and/or drum 513. Thewater-based solution may be introduced via nozzle(s) 561 into enclosure504 a and/or in cavity 514 after the temperature in enclosure 504 aand/or in cavity 514 has reached a certain temperature, for example,about 130° C. The water based solution may be injected into enclosure504 a and/or cavity 514 at several times during a single operatingcycle, for example, at a rate of about 15 milliliters every two minutes.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a vehicle (e.g.,automobile, aircraft, helicopter) including an articles processingsystem, for example, system 100 or system 500. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, system 500 may be placed in a sports utility vehicle 600 with adedicated power source 601 configured to provide sufficient power to runsystem 500. Vehicle 600 is advantageous because it is a mobile systemthat may allow emergency response and/or third party personnel torespond to a articles emergency. For example, should an office buildingor other facility suspect that some articles they have received may becontaminated with biological/chemical contaminants, vehicle 600 could bebrought to the specified location and the possibly contaminated articlescould be decontaminated and/or neutralized by processing the articlesusing any of the systems (e.g., system 100, 500) or methods set forthherein.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a system 100, 500disposed in a wall between two rooms. For example, as shown in FIG. 7,system 500 may be disposed in a wall 700 between two rooms 701, 702.First door 502 may open into room 701 while second door 503 may openinto room 702. First room 701 may be a “dirty” room where potentiallycontaminated articles may be sorted and then placed into enclosure 504 aand/or cavity 514 via the opening covered by first door 502. Second room702 may be a “clean” room where articles decontaminated by system 500may be removed from enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 via the openingcovered by second door 503. Such a configuration may be advantageous,for example, to ensure that decontaminated articles in clean room 703are not inadvertently contaminated with contaminants from potentiallycontaminated articles from dirty room 702.

Another embodiment of the invention may include a system 100, 500 fortreating contaminated documents and papers. System 100, 500 may includea drum 800 configured to hold documents, examples of which are shown inFIGS. 8A-8D. Drum 800 may replace drum 110 in system 100 or drum 513 insystem 500. Indeed, drum 800 may include any aspect of drum 110 or drum513.

Drum 800 may include a cylindrical portion 801 defining a cavity 811.Cylindrical portion 801 may include a plurality of perforations 806.Perforations 806 may be configured to allow any combination of heat,air, chemical(s), microwave energy, ultraviolet light, and/or radiationtherethrough. Cylindrical portion 801 may include a first end 807 and asecond end 808. One or more of first end 807 and second end 808 mayinclude one or more protrusions 809. Protrusions 809 may be configuredto interact with any portion of systems 100, 500 configured to rotatedrum 800, for example, wheels 516 w. First end 807 may also include aprotrusion 810.

Drum 800 may include a holder 802 configured to hold documents (e.g.,saturated documents) during rotation of drum 800 and/or operation ofsystem 100, 500. Holder 802 may include a tray portion 802 b and a lidportion 802 a defining a cavity 802 c. Lid portion 802 a may be movablerelative to tray portion 802 b, and may be connected to tray portion 802b using any suitable connector and/or method, for example, via latch805. Latch 805 may be any suitable latch configured to hold lid portion802 a and tray portion 802 b together during rotation of drum 800 and/oroperation of system 100, 500 when documents are disposed in cavity 802c. Lid portion 802 a and tray portion 802 b may be configured to allowany combination of heat, air, chemical(s), microwave energy, ultravioletlight, and/or radiation therethrough. For example, lid portion 802 a andtray portion 802 b may include perforations and/or may be made out ofany material configured to allow any combination of heat, air,chemical(s), microwave energy, ultraviolet light, and/or radiationtherethrough.

Holder 802 may be attached to a portion 804 of cylindrical portion 801via connector 803. Connector 803 may be fixedly or detachably beconnected to holder 802 using any suitable method or device. Connector803 may be connectable to and/or detachable from portion 804 using anysuitable connection and/or method. Holder 802 and/or connector 803 maybe disposed in a plane substantially parallel to and/or including alongitudinal axis of cylindrical portion 801, however, holder 802 and/orconnector 803 may be disposed in any suitable configuration relative tocylindrical portion 801. Connector 803 may be configured to fix holder802 relative to cylindrical portion 801, for example, so that holder 802does not move relative to cylindrical portion 801 during rotation ofdrum 800 during operation of system 100, 500.

A further embodiment of the invention includes a method of using system500, for example, during a decontamination/neutralization cycle. Themethod may include obtaining articles to be decontaminated or that mayneed to be decontaminated, such as mail, opening first door 502, andplacing the articles in drum 513. While articles are placed in drum 513,second door 503 may be closed. First door 502 may then be closed andlatched to housing 506. First door 502 may be closed such that gasket507 is pressed against a surface of housing 506 so as to create asubstantially fluid tight seal. First door 502 may be latched to housing506, for example, via latch 510. Latch 510 may include two sets oflatches: mechanical latch portions 510 a, 510 b and magnetic latchportions 510 c, 510 d. Mechanical latch 510 may latch when protrusion510 a is placed in aperture 510 b and secured using any suitablemechanical latch structure and/or method. Magnetic latch 510 may latchwhen the poles of first magnetic portion 510 c matches up with theopposing poles of second magnetic portion 510 d. Once both latches 510latch, sensor 511 may send a signal to processor 512 that first door 502has been secured.

Substantially at the same time that sensor 511 detects that first door502 is closed, sensor 511 may also confirm that second door 503 isclosed. Second door 503 may includes latches similar to first door 502.Once sensor 511 sends signals to processor 512 that both first door 502and second door 503 have been latched and/or secured, processor mayallow power to flow to various portions of articles processor 501. Forexample, processor 512 may allow power to flow to and/or activateactuator 516 a. In turn, actuator 516 a may drive belts 516-1, 516-2,causing drum 513 to rotate. Drum 513 may rotate along with belts 516-1,516-2, and may be held in place by wheels 516 w. Drum 513 may rotate ata speed up to about 20 revolutions per minute, however, drum 513 mayrotate at a speed up to about 30 revolution per minute.

Processor 512 may also activate and/or allow power to flow to heattreatment apparatus 530. Heat treatment apparatus 530 may include aheating element configured to raise and maintain the temperature insideenclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 at between about 250° F. and about320° F. (and/or between about 120° C. and about 150° C.) at about 1000Watts. Perforations 513 p of drum 513 may allow heat to enter cavity 514and the rotation of drum 513 may assist in circulating the heated airabout cavity 514. Heat treatment apparatus 530 may raise and maintainthe temperature inside enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 at the desiredtemperature for the entire duration of the cycle, for example, up toabout 30 minutes. However, the entire cycle may also take up to about 45minutes and/or heat treatment apparatus 530 may run for only a portionof the cycle. Processor 512 and/or heat treatment apparatus 530 may beconfigured to maintain the temperature inside enclosure 504 a and/orcavity 514 within a margin of error of about 2 percent. One or more ofhousing 506, housing 506 a, first door 502, and second door 503 mayinclude a layer of insulating material, such as AMSS, configured toabsorb heat and/or prevent heat from escaping enclosure 504 a, forexample, so that it does not harm a user or damage processor 512disposed in enclosure 504 defined by housing 506. Another purpose of thelayer of insulating material, such as AMSS, may be to allow thetemperature in enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 to be raised rapidly(e.g., by trapping heat in enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514).

Processor 512 may also activate and/or allow power to flow to microwaveapparatus 540. Microwave apparatus 540 may be configured to providemicrowave energy to enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 at between about500 Watts and about 1000 Watts at 2.4 GHz. Housing 506 a, drum 513,and/or perforations 513 p may be configured to allow microwave energy topass therethrough. Surfaces of drum 513 and housing 506 a definingcavity 514 and enclosure 504 a, respectively, may be configured toreflect microwave energy within cavity 514 and enclosure 504 a, forexample, to prevent microwave energy from exiting articles processor 501in sufficient quantities to harm users and/or to increase theeffectiveness of the microwave treatment on the articles. Protrusions502, 503 a on doors 502, 503 may also be configured to have a highlyreflective surface so as to prevent microwave energy from exitingarticles processor 501 via doors 502, 503 in sufficient quantities toharm users and/or to increase the effectiveness of the microwavetreatment on the articles. Microwave apparatus 540 may apply microwaveenergy to articles during the entire cycle (e.g., up to about 30minutes) or only a portion of the cycle.

Processor 512 may also activate and/or allow power to flow toultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550. For example, processor 512 mayactivate and/or allow power to flow to first ultraviolet light emittingapparatus 551 and second ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 552.Processor 512 may cause pulsed lights 553, 554 to emit a pulsedultraviolet light at a wavelength of between about 190 nanometers and2000 nanometers, a frequency of about 50 Hz, and/or at a power output ofabout 60 Watts. The timing of the pulses of ultraviolet light may be anysuitable time interval and may vary in length. Pulsed lights 553, 554may emit ultraviolet light at different portions of enclosure 504 aand/or cavity 514, for example, by being disposed at different locationsabout housing 506 a and/or enclosure 504 a. Constant light 552 may beconfigured to emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength between about 249nanometers and 254 nanometers and/or have a power output of about 150microwatts per square centimeter. Ultraviolet light emitting apparatus550 may apply ultraviolet light to articles during the entire cycle(e.g., up to about 30 minutes) or only a portion of the cycle.

Processor 512 may also activate and/or allow power to flow to chemicalapplicator 560. For example, the chemical may be a water-based solutionhaving a composition of about 95% water and about 5% alcohol. Thechemical may be disposed in chemical reservoir 562 having a capacity ofabout 1 gallon and/or at a pressure between about 30 pounds per squareinch and 40 pounds per square inch. However, the chemical may bedisposed in chemical reservoir 562 having any suitable capacity and atany suitable pressure. When activated, and after the temperature inenclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 reaches about 130° C., the chemicalmay flow from chemical reservoir 562 to nozzle(s) 561. Nozzle(s) 561 maythen apply the chemical to enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514, forexample, at a rate of about 15 milliliters at about two minute intervalsin the cycle. During the cycle, about ½ cup (or about 4 fluid ounces) ofthe chemical may be used. When applied, the chemical may form a mist inenclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 where the droplets have a size on theorder of about 10 microinches. The chemical may be applied to enclosure504 a and/or cavity 514 at approximately a seventy degree angle relativeto a plane perpendicular to axis 515. Nozzle(s) 561 may be disposedabout housing 506 a, enclosure 504 a, and/or cavity 514 in severalplaces, for example, to allow for a more even distribution of thechemical into enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514. Once disposed inenclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514, the chemical may assist in destroyingbiological contaminants and/or neutralizing chemical contaminants. Forexample, the chemical may come into contact with the articles and allowthe heat and/or ultraviolet light to more easily and effectivelypenetrate the articles. In another example, the chemical may interactwith the microwave energy to assist in destroying biologicalcontaminants and/or neutralizing chemical contaminants.

Processor 512 may also activate and/or allow power to flow to fluid pump579 so as to allow fluid (e.g., air, gas, and/or liquid) to flow intoenclosure 504 a from the outside environment, through fluid inlet 577and any filters 581, through enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514, throughfluid outlet 577 and any filters 582, 583, and then back to the outsideenvironment.

Once the cycle has run for its allotted time period, processor 512 maydeactivate and/or disconnect power from one or more of actuators 516 a,heat treatment apparatus 530, microwave apparatus 540, ultraviolet lightemitting apparatus 550, and/or chemical applicator 560. Once thetemperature inside enclosure 504 a reaches a safe level, second door 503may be unlocked (e.g., by releasing the latches 510) and the articlesmay be removed from drum 513. The safe level of temperature asdetermined by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration may beabout 70 degrees Celsius, however, the safe level of temperature may behigher if proper warnings and instructions are provided concerning thetemperature level of the articles, the air in enclosure 504 a, and/orthe air in cavity 514. Second door 503 may then be closed (e.g., byreactivating the latches) and system 500 may be prepped for anothercycle. Processor 512 and/or latches 510 are configured such that shouldpower be cut from articles processor 501 in the middle of a cycle,latches 510 will not allow doors 502, 503 to open until power isrestored and the processor 512 can determine (e.g., via sensors disposedin enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514) that the conditions are safe(e.g., the temperature is low enough, microwave apparatus 540 has beenturned off, ultraviolet light emitting apparatus 550 has been turnedoff, and/or chemical applicator 560 no longer expels chemicals).

A further embodiment of the invention may include a method of treatingcontaminated articles, for example, documents that have become saturatedand/or contaminated with chemicals, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/orsoil as a result of flooding. Exemplary articles include folders,documents, manuals, and carbon copies of documents. Saturated articlesmay weigh about 53 pages per pound, however, any document with any levelof moisture and/or contaminants may be treated using any system ormethod set forth herein.

In such a method, up to about one pound of a fully saturated article mayplaced in a water-based solution that contains a mild disinfectant. Themild disinfectant may include chemicals similar to the chemicals inLISTERINE ANTISEPTIC solutions or any other chemicals that may be usedwith system 100, 500, for example, a water-based solution having acomposition of about 95% water and about 5% alcohol. The fully saturatedarticles may then be placed in cavity 802 c of holder 802 of drum 800.The amount of saturated articles placed in drum 800 may vary based on avariety of factors, for example, saturation level (e.g., greater than20% moisture by weight), weight, and volume. Lid portion 802 and trayportion 802 b may then be closed and secured via latch 805. Holder 802,which is connected to connector 803, may then be placed in cavity 811 ofcylindrical portion 801. Ends of connector 803 may be secured to portion803 of cylindrical portion 801 using any suitable method and/or devices.

Once secured, system 100, 500 including drum 800 may be operated and thefully saturated articles may be processed using any combination of stepsset forth herein, at any suitable temperature (e.g., about 160° C.), forany suitable length of time, for example, about 50 minutes. Wheels 516 wmay be used to rotate drum 800 via protrusions 809. Once processed, thearticles may be removed from system 100, 500. For example, connector 803may be detached from portion 804. Holder 802 and/or connector 803 maythen be removed from cavity 811. Latch 805 may be unlatched so as toallow lid portion 802 to move relative to tray portion 802 b. Thearticles may then be removed from cavity 802 c and copied, scanned, orotherwise duplicated using any suitable method or device, for example,scanned into a computer's memory system for future retrieval. Uponprocessing of the saturated and/or contaminated articles as set forthherein, the articles are suitable for human handling.

In one exemplary embodiment, system 100, 500 including drum 800 may beoperated in the following manner. Upon placement of the saturatedarticles in cavity 811 and placement of drum 800 in system 100, 500,drum 800 may be spun up to its operational rotational speed in about 10seconds. The saturated articles may also be heated for about 31 minutesat about 160° C. After about 31 minutes, the heater may be turned offand a chemical may be applied to drum 800, cavity 811, and cavity 802 cvia one or more of perforations 806, lid portion 802 a, and tray portion802 b at a rate of about 15 milliliters at about three minute intervalsin the cycle. Microwave energy and ultraviolet light may besubstantially simultaneously applied to drum 800, cavity 811, and cavity802 c for two minute durations interspersed by one minute intervals.This may occur five times. During the four one minute intervals betweenthe two minute durations, heat may be applied to drum 800, cavity 811,and cavity 802 c. The chemical may be applied at substantially the sametime that the application of microwave energy and ultraviolet light todrum 800, cavity 811, and cavity 802 c is initiated. After about 14minutes, the microwave energy and ultraviolet light may be turned off,and the heater may be turned on for about three minutes. After thosethree minutes, the heater may be turned off for one minute, the chemicalmay be applied to drum 800, cavity 811, and cavity 802 c for a fractionof that one minute. After the one minute, the heater may be turned backon for an additional seven minutes, after which the heater may be turnedoff and a blower may be turned on for about eight minutes, for example,to apply dry air to and/or remove moist air from cavity 802 c, 811. Atthe conclusion of the eight minutes, the operation may be concluded, therotation of drum 800 may cease, and the formerly saturated products maybe removed from system 100, 500. It should be understood that theaforementioned time values, amounts of chemicals, intensity of appliedenergy, and operational sequences are exemplary only, and that anysuitable values may be used. Furthermore, the application of rotation,chemicals, microwave energy, heat, and ultraviolet light may beaccomplished using any mechanism set forth herein or otherwise known inthe art.

In various embodiments, a single decontamination cycle may run betweenabout 45 minutes and about 60 minutes. During that time period, about 30minutes of the single decontamination cycle may involve the heating ofthe air inside enclosure 504 a and/or cavity 514 to the appropriatetemperature. The balance of the time (e.g., between about 15 minutes andabout 30 minutes) may be the other portions of the process, e.g.,providing chemicals, providing microwave energy, and/or providingultraviolet light.

In various embodiments, a single decontamination cycle may include stepsexecuted in a particular order. For example, the cycle may begin by atleast one of the doors (e.g., the “dirty” door or “contaminated” door)being opened. Thereafter, articles may be placed in the cavity, thedoors may be closed, the doors may be locked, the closing and thelocking of the doors may be verified, and then the powering up of thesystem may begin. Substantially simultaneously with the powering up ofthe system, an indicator light may indicate that the system is poweredup, and the indicator light may continue to indicate that the system ispowered up while power is being provided to the system. After a smalldelay following the locking of the doors (e.g., for about 10 seconds),the heat treatment apparatus may be turned on to begin heating up theair in the cavity. The air in the cavity may be continuously heated to atarget temperature, for example, for about 30 minutes. Around the timethat the air in the cavity reaches about the target temperature (e.g.,within about 2% of the target temperature) and/or 30 about minutes haselapsed (e.g., give or take about 5 minutes), microwave energy,ultraviolet light, and/or the chemical may be provided to the cavity.Microwave energy, ultraviolet light, and/or the chemical may becontinuously and/or intermittently provided to the cavity for about 10minutes. For example, microwave energy may be continuously provided tothe cavity for 10 minutes, a constant ultraviolet light may be providedto the cavity for about 10 minutes, pulsed (e.g., intermittent)ultraviolet light may be provided to the cavity for about 10 minutes,and/or the chemical may be intermittently applied to the cavity (e.g.,in bursts of about 15 milliliters about every two minutes). After themicrowave energy, ultraviolet light, and/or the chemical have beenapplied to the cavity for about 10 minutes, the microwave energy,ultraviolet light, and/or the chemical are deactivated. Substantially atthe same time that the microwave energy, ultraviolet light, and/or thechemical are deactivated, the fluid exchange system removes the air, thechemical, and/or any decontaminants from the cavity. The fluid exchangesystem may run, for example, for about five minutes. Once the fluidexchange system has completed its job, various portions of the systemmay be powered down, at least one of the doors (e.g., the “clean” dooror “decontaminated” door) may be unlocked, at least one of the doors maybe opened, and the articles may be removed from the cavity.

The advantages of system 500 are numerous over previous systems fordestroying biological contaminants and/or neutralizing chemicalcontaminants. For example, system 500 is relatively compact, and caneasily placed and used in an office setting. In some embodiments, system500 may have dimensions of about 28 inches by 32.7 inches by 30.6inches, and may weigh about 285 lbs (or about 128 kilograms). In otherembodiments, system 500 may have dimensions of about 30 inches by 20.9inches by 31.38 inches. Due in part to its compactness, system 500 isportable, as it may be disposed on wheel or may easily be placed on amoving means. Also due in part to its compactness, system 500 may bestacked, for example, so as to maximize the use of vertical space whileminimizing the use of floor space.

A further advantage is that system 500 is capable of destroying anthraxor other spores at a level that exceeds Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA). For example, OSHA requires that the kill rate foranthrax or other spores be on the order of 10 ⁶. However, the kill ratefor the system 500 and method described herein is on the order of atleast 10 ⁷, and is effective on the order of 10 ⁸ and possibly even upto 10 ⁹.

System 500 consumes less than about 20 amps of 110/120V alternatingcurrent at about 50/60 Hz. Thus, it may simply be plugged into astandard United States wall socket. System 500 may consume about 15 ampsat about 1920 Watts. It is contemplated that for use of system 500 withother types of outlets (e.g., 220V outlet used in at least parts ofEurope and Asia), either a converter will be built into system 500, orone or more portions of system 500 will be exchanged for portions thatrequire or are at least compatible with 220V outlets.

System 500 is easy to use, as once the system 500 has been plugged in,first door 502 is opened, articles is placed in drum 513, first door 502is closed, and then the process is run. Once the process has beencompleted, second door 503 is opened, the articles is removed from drum513, and the second door 503 is closed, completing the process.

Another advantage of system 500 is that it is not harmful to the user.For example, despite the use of microwaves, ultraviolet light, and/orheat, at least partially due to the insulation used in system 500, auser may stand next to system 500 without suffering harmful effects fromany of the microwaves, ultraviolet light, and/or heat. Furthermore,because system 500 uses a water-based, non-toxic chemical, even ifexposed to the chemical, the user is substantially, if not completely,unharmed. The system 500 may be configured to meet the regulatoryrequirements of OSHA, FDA, and EPA.

In various embodiments, system 100, 500 and the methods described hereinmay be used to decontaminate all kinds of articles. For example, system100, 500 may be used decontaminate paper, currency, food, and/or medicalsupplies.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A method of decontaminating articles containing greater than 20%moisture by weight within an apparatus that includes a housing definingat least one opening, and an enclosure in flow communication with the atleast one opening, at least one door configured to cover the at leastone opening, respectively, and a rotatable drum in the enclosure, therotatable drum defining a cavity, wherein the housing includes a layerof amorphous magnesium silicate fiber, the method comprising: placingthe articles in a water-based solution including a disinfectant; placingthe articles into the cavity via the at least one opening; confirmingthat the at least one door is closed; rotating the drum; heating the airin the cavity; providing microwave energy to the cavity; providingultraviolet light to the cavity from a plurality of ultraviolet lightemitting apparatuses; placing a chemical in the cavity; opening the atleast one door; removing the articles from the cavity via the at leastone opening; and creating an electronic copy of the articles.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising placing the articles in a holder;and placing the holder in the drum.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising connecting the holder to the drum such that the holder isfixedly disposed relative to the drum.
 4. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising separating a first portion of the holder from a secondportion of the holder; placing the articles between the first portionand the second portion; and connecting the first portion and the secondportion such that the first portion is fixedly disposed relative to thesecond portion.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising placing upto about one pound of articles in the holder; and placing the holder inthe drum.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing thearticles in the cavity for about 50 minutes.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising heating the air in the cavity to about 160° C.